Another $2.2 million will be invested in the ECR International and ECR Properties at 85-87 Middle Road, Dunkirk.

At its meeting today, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) Board of Directors approved financial assistance to ECR, including an extension of the existing PILOT agreement that’s providing real property tax abatement and sales tax abatements for a substantial new investment planned here.

Mark Geise, Chautauqua County’s Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the CCIDA said, “For over 90 years, ECR has been an industry leader in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) market. We are pleased that we could support their ongoing local investment and growth, which will result in the retention of a significant number of jobs and an even stronger foothold in Chautauqua County.”

ECR operates in Dunkirk as a manufacturer of HVAC equipment in both the residential and light commercial markets. They were recently designated as an “R&D Center of Excellence” by their parent company, BDR Thermea of the Netherlands. The benefit of such a designation will allow ECR to use new technology to grow its market share in the high efficiency boiler market. ECR will invest over $2.2 million over the next several years at its Dunkirk facility (approximately $6 million across New York State), including facility repairs, replacements, and upgrades to manufacturing equipment and tooling.

“This is another win for Chautauqua County,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “ECR has made a strategic decision to stay and invest in Chautauqua County, adding to our already robust manufacturing sector.”

This investment builds upon $14 million invested by the company in 2008 to renovate ECR’s Dunkirk and Utica Facilities. The renovations included a new 25,000 square foot stamping plant in Dunkirk as well as the installation of new manufacturing equipment. A 30,000 square foot expansion was added to the Utica manufacturing facility, in addition to a world-class research and development lab for hydronic and air source equipment design and testing. Continued investment in their engineering and manufacturing capabilities has helped ECR to remain innovative and competitive in an ever-changing industry.

While not always known as ECR International, the company has a rich history dating back over 90 years. The tradition of quality and expertise began in 1928 when founder Earle C. Reed established two manufacturing facilities, one in Dunkirk and one in Utica, N.Y. The Dunkirk facility manufactured cast iron boilers and radiators, while Utica purchased boilers from Dunkirk and manufactured cast iron radiators and baseboards.

Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas said, “We were excited to learn about ECR’s new R&D Center of Excellence designation by its parent company, paving the way for new growth opportunities and securing future employment in Dunkirk and Chautauqua County. This is excellent news as the economy re-opens from the coronavirus pandemic.”

In 1928, the companies were called “The Utica Companies” and “Dunkirk Radiator Corporation.” These companies acquired other heating and cooling companies over time in order to provide a diverse product mix. In 1999, the Utica and Dunkirk companies, as well as all associated brands and acquired companies, merged into one company: ECR International, Inc. ECR carries the initials of founder Earle C. Reed, and the company logo displays his image. In December of 2015, ECR was acquired by BDR Thermea, the third largest boiler manufacturer and distributor of innovative heating and hot water systems and services for residential and commercial markets in the world.

Paul Totaro, ECR’s Vice President and CFO said, “We are excited about the future of ECR, and this is the next step in our evolution. I want to thank the CCIDA and other local stakeholders for helping us to realize our vision.”

ECR’s new investment will commence soon.